Malicious Code Injection in fast_snail_replicate_automation Package
Summary
MAL-2025-102587: Malicious code in fast_snail_replicate_automation (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The fast_snail_replicate_automation package is an npm module that is part of a broader campaign targeting developers for token rewards. It is designed to automate certain tasks related to package replication. However, this package has been identified as malicious, containing scripts that manipulate its own metadata and publish variants to inflate reputation scores within the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the package being part of a malicious campaign that includes scripts designed to modify the package.json file. These modifications remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names, leading to a pollution of the npm registry. This can have serious ramifications, including the potential for developers to unknowingly install compromised packages, which can lead to further exploitation or data breaches.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall fast_snail_replicate_automationIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, avoid using the fast_snail_replicate_automation package and monitor your package dependencies for any signs of malicious activity. Regularly audit your npm packages using npm audit to identify vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The fast_snail_replicate_automation package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and publishes variants to the npm registry. It is crucial to remove this package from your projects and monitor your dependencies for any vulnerabilities.
See every vulnerability recorded for fast_snail_replicate_automation →
FAQ
It is an npm package that automates certain tasks related to package replication but has been identified as malicious.
It can lead to the installation of compromised packages, potentially exposing your project to security risks and data breaches.
You should uninstall the package immediately using the command: npm uninstall fast_snail_replicate_automation.
Yes, tools like Vulert can monitor your package-lock.json file for vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
